United News of Bangladesh

The long-discussed crackdown on password sharing by Netflix is finally going to start, according to the streaming giant. This means, users who wish to share their accounts with anyone outside of their home must pay an additional fee. The move, which aims to increase subscribers, has been tested in some countries but has not yet been used in the UK or the US, reports BBC. The move comes with the company's announcement that it will end the DVD rental service that launched 25 years ago. As competition intensifies, households struggle with growing expenses, and what analysts perceive as a saturation point in some of its biggest areas, Netflix has been looking for methods to reignite growth. In the first half of 2022, it lost more than a million subscribers, said the report. The decline prompted the company to make adjustments, even though it more than made up for those losses later in the year owing to subscriber growth in Asia. In an effort to encourage more people to join up for its service, the firm last year launched a less priced streaming alternative with commercials and reduced rates in 116 countries in the three months leading up to March. Also, it was getting ready to greatly expand its paid sharing programme, which it began testing in a few countries last year and expanded in February, it also said. In a letter to investors on Tuesday, Netflix stated that paid sharing would be widely available, including in the US, by July. This was a few months later than anticipated because Netflix is still making adjustments to the offering in response to user feedback, such as making sure users can access their accounts easily while on the go. "We're pleased with the most recent launches," the company said in the letter. "We learn more with each rollout and we've incorporated the latest learnings which we think will lead to even better results." Netflix estimated that more than 100 million homes share passwords. Netflix intends to capitalize on this market to boost income. Since it began shipping DVDs to customers in the US in 1998, Netflix, a company based in California, has gone a long way. With more than 232 million customers worldwide, it became a global powerhouse after launching its streaming service in 2007.The DVD programme, which will end in September, was described by Netflix in its investor letter as the "booster rocket that got streaming to a leading position". "We feel so privileged to have been able to share movie nights with our DVD members for so long, so proud of what our employees achieved and excited to continue pleasing entertainment fans for many more decades to come," the company said. According to Netflix, overall income increased 3.7% year over year to $8.1 billion. It recorded a $1.3 billion profit down from nearly $1.6 billion last year.

Bongo BD, the largest over-the-top (OTT) platform in Bangladesh, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vision, a leading technology company. The partnership will provide Vision Smart TV customers with a complimentary three-month subscription to Bongo Premium, reads a press release. Through this partnership, Bongo and Vision aim to enhance the entertainment experience for Smart TV users in Bangladesh, it said. Bongo Premium offers a wide range of exclusive content, including Bangla dramas, movies, music videos, and live TV channels. By providing Vision Smart TV customers with free access to Bongo Premium, both companies hope to expand their customer base and enhance their brand visibility. Vision will promote Bongo from its stores, offering customers a chance to learn more about the OTT platform and its exclusive content. Additionally, Vision will use its digital media channels to create awareness and drive subscriptions to Bongo.

Michelle Yeoh says she is looking for new challenges including as a producer, as she credited perseverance, hard work and passion for her historic Oscar win last month. The 60-year-old became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for best actress for her performance as a laundromat owner in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The movie won a total of seven awards, including best picture. Returning to her native Malaysia to celebrate her mother’s birthday, Yeoh said she felt a sense of relief after clinching the award. “It was a roller coaster ride that started last year when the movie first came out. It was a whole year of not knowing, wanting, hoping, wishing,” she told a news conference. “During the journey, everyone was asking, ‘Do you want the Oscar?’ I said, hell, yes, of course I want the Oscar. Who doesn’t? I am not going to beat around the bush and say no because it represents so much to so many of us.” Yeoh reiterated that her Oscar victory was a “beacon of hope” for Asian women. “It shows us it can be done and all of you can do it,” she said. Yeoh, who started her career in Hong Kong before becoming a Hollywood star, said she was blessed to have been able to work on diverse movies and with “forward thinking filmmakers to fight for what I truly believe in — representation, diversity, especially empowerment of women.” She said she refuses to be boxed in stereotypical roles but believes in pushing the envelope in her career. While she has no interest in directing, she said she may branch out again as a producer. “Directors have no life. I love my life too much,” she said in jest. “I love producing. I have produced before and now I can start to do so again ... now I am able to branch out more because people have started to listen, amd appreciate what you can bring forward. As an actor, I love what I can do. I am so lucky to be able to say it’s not a job, it’s really a passion.” “I am always looking for a challenge,” she said. “I believe there is so much to do in our part of the world. All of us collectively. Don’t isolate yourself. Don’t feel that I must always tell my story. We are collaborators, we are storytellers. Let’s work together and do great things.”  

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved the import of  films made in the languages of Indian subcontinent on five conditions including export of films made by Bangladesh. An office order signed by Information and Broadcasting Ministry Deputy Secretary (Films) Saiful Islam was issued in this regard on Tuesday. However, maximum 10 movies will be allowed to be imported in the first year against export of 10 movies, said the order. The order said, considering the Sammilito Chalacchitro Parishad’s application regarding the import of films made in languages of Indian subcontinent , the Commerce Ministry's opinion was sought. It said due to the positive response from the Commerce Ministry, import of films from SAFTA countries has been given permission against the export of Bangladeshi films on the following conditions on experimental basis. 1.      Only legitimate film producers and distributors will be allowed to import films. 2.      Films made in sub-continental languages with subtitles will be allowed to be imported on an experimental basis for two years against export of Bangladeshi films. 3.      In the first year, 10 films will be allowed to be imported against export. 4.      Before screening of imported films, Bangladesh Film Censor Board’s certificate must be obtained. 5.      No such films to be allowed to be screened during holy Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja weeks in Bangladesh.    

MIXI, Inc. is proud to announce the latest details regarding the free online event "humy presents: the Charlie Puth Livestream Experience" (available in select regions) to be held on March 25 (UTC) on Charlie Puth's official fan communication platform, humy. Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M102029/202303143896/_prw_PI2fl_9UBS3556.jpg Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M102029/202303143896/_prw_PI3fl_S3Y4Er7K.png   1. Partially live-streamed simultaneously on YouTube The first 10 minutes of the event will be simultaneously streamed live on Charlie Puth's official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/CharliesVlogs ), which has over 21.8 million subscribers (as of March 2023).   2. Involving the audience - Fan-picked setlist The songs performed will be picked by fans through a poll before the event.   - Q&A session Questions from fans that were submitted in advance will be answered during the event. Fans can enjoy interactions with Charlie that cannot be experienced anywhere else.   3. Campaign leading up to the event is underway - 10 lucky winners will get 3-month Premium subscriptions 3-month Premium subscriptions to "humy with Charlie Puth" are to be given to 10 eligible users. Winners will be chosen by lottery.   - How to apply: 1) Follow the official Twitter account (@humyCharlieputh) 2) Sign up for a free humy account 3) Quote the campaign Tweet using the following hashtags: #charlie_cp #humy   Learn more about the campaign below: https://humy.me/en/news/1cba14ed-8ae0-41ae-b482-cd9c85de905e   Event Details - Event name humy presents: the Charlie Puth Livestream Experience - Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 3:00 a.m. (UTC) *Due to production concerns, the live stream will begin one hour earlier than previously announced. - Available to anyone with a humy account (registration is free). - Available in select regions   - Event site: https://charlieputh.humy.me/special/1st-livestreaming/en   - How to watch 1) Sign up for free from the event site 2) Access the viewing page from the event site on the day of the event   About Charlie Puth Charlie Puth has proven to be one of the industry's most consistent hitmakers and sought-after collaborators. Puth has amassed eight multi-platinum singles, four GRAMMY nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, a Critic's Choice Award, and a Golden Globe nomination. His 2018 GRAMMY-nominated LP, Voicenotes, was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) only four days after its release and has logged over 5.6 billion streams worldwide. Recently, Puth released his highly anticipated third studio album CHARLIE via Atlantic Records. Featuring hit singles "Left and Right (feat. Jung Kook of BTS)," "That's Hilarious" and "Light Switch," the "expertly crafted collection" (from Rolling Stone magazine) has surpassed 1 billion global streams and received critical praise around the world. Following the release of CHARLIE, Puth set out for his "One Night Only" tour, welcoming fans around the world up close and personal as he shares his latest album and his greatest hits. In 2020, Puth's collaboration with Gabby Barrett on their "I Hope" remix earned him his fourth top 10 track on the Billboard Hot 100, hit number one on the Billboard "Adult Pop Songs" chart, and won a 2021 Billboard Music Award for "Top Collaboration." Puth also co-wrote and produced The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber's record-breaking single, "STAY," which quickly became one of the biggest songs of 2021 and holds the title for the longest-reigning No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart and the first to lead it for double-digits -- spending a total of 11 weeks at the top of the chart.   About humy humy is a communication platform where users can enjoy exclusive artists' content as well as two-way communication between artists and fans by purchasing a subscription. The service can be used with a web browser. Those who sign up for free can view, comment on, and like a portion of the exclusive content.   humy Overview Service name: humy Genre: Fan communication platform Membership fee: - Registration is free. - Premium plan: $100.00 (USD) per year Availability: Available in over 150 countries How to use: Search for "humy" on your web browser or go to https://charlieputh.humy.me/en About MIXI, Inc. ( https://mixi.co.jp/en ) With the purpose of enriching communication and inspiring moments of joy, MIXI is committed to providing enjoyable communication services for friends and families, including mixi, MONSTER STRIKE, FamilyAlbum, and TIPSTAR. The company places "User Surprise First" at its core and focuses on promoting deep and meaningful connections rather than simply increasing the quantity and frequency of communication. Through this endeavor, the company believes it inspires deeper and richer communication in the world. Source: MIXI, Inc.

Dhallywood actor Shakib Khan has filed another case against film producer Rahmat Ullah under the Digital Security Act. Judge AM Zulfiqar Hayat of the Cyber Tribunal in Dhaka on Monday, ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit a report on June 6 after taking Shakib’s statement. Shakib’s lawyer Khairul Hasan said Shakib Khan came to the court around 1:45 pm to file a case. Then he went to court to give a statement. On March 23, Shakib filed a case with the CMM court against Rahmat Ullah on charges of murder attempt and extortion. The court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Arfatul Rakib recorded his statement and summoned Rahmat Ullah to appear before the court on April 26. Read: I was blamed even though I did nothing wrong: Shakib Khan Later Shakib Khan then went to the Cyber Tribunal in Dhaka to file a case under the Digital Security Act. However, he could not file the case on that day as the time to file the case had passed. The judge asked him to come to court today. Earlier on March 19, Shakib went to the Detective Branch (DB) office of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and filed a written complaint against Rahmat Ullah who brought a rape allegation against him. On March 15, Rahmat Ullah filed a written complaint against the actor in the Bangladesh Film Artists Association, accusing him of sexual misconduct and raping an Australian woman, a co-producer of the film "Operation Agneepath".    

 `Benuka’ has been awarded as the best OTT Music Show in the TRAB (Television Reporters Association of Bangladesh) Musical Award-2022. TRAB Musical Award program was held at the Capital's Dhaka Club on Wednesday. The program was sponsored by the VISTA android TV. The winners were awarded with a colorful music fest. Uday Hakim received the award as the planner and presenter of Benuka. The award was handed over by the TRAB president Salam Mahmud. Prominent Singer Ferdous Ara, prominent journalist leader Molla Jalal, general secretary of national press club Shamal Dutta and many others were also present at the program.

Dhallywood actor Shakib Khan said that the rape allegation brought against him by producer Rahmat Ullah was nothing but a trap made to humiliate him. Shakib said this in a press conference at his residence in the capital's Gulshan on Thursday afternoon. "I have seen that various news media published these types of news without verifying it. If someone introduces him as a producer and he accuses me of raping someone without verifying the news, is it logical to publish it," he asked.  “But asking the producers’ association would have been great to know whether he is really a producer or not," Shakib said.  The actor said "I also have a family. When they heard this type of news, I lost the ability to hold my head high while standing in front of them. They were very worried about me. I was wronged even though I did nothing wrong," Shakib explained. "I have gone to the DB office regarding the complaints and talked to the DB chief. Even I went to the court just because to fight against injustice." The Dhallywood star also said that everything will be revealed through the investigation.  

Actor Afran Nisho is debuting in Bangla cinema with “Surongo”. Shooting of “Surongo”, directed by Raihan Rafi, started in the first week of March. Toma Mirza will be seen opposite to Nisho in the film. "The initial work experience is always different," Nisho told UNB about his ongoing experience in the first film. “Moreover, as it is a film learning many things before acting . The shooting took place in remote area of Sunamganj in Sylhet. Everyone is finding it tough to stay and eat. Nevertheless, the director of the film did not allow any of these impressions to display onscreen." "This is my first collaboration with Rafi. I always try to work comfortably with the director. That's why we had a lot of discussions and understanding. The audience will see the hard work on screen,” he added.

Two-time Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks was named the principal speaker at Harvard’s commencement on May 25, the Ivy League university announced Tuesday. Hanks, 66, has appeared in almost 100 films. Nominated for an Oscar six times, he won best actor for “Philadelphia” in 1993 and “Forrest Gump” the following year. Harvard President Lawrence Bacow called Hanks “a true master of his craft.” “In addition to his brilliance as an actor, Tom has demonstrated both an innate empathy and a deep understanding of the human condition,” Bacow said in a statement. “He has contributed to our national culture and expanded our ability to appreciate stories and histories that have been previously unexamined.” Recent Harvard commencement speakers included former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, late civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. A comedic actor early in his career, Hanks transitioned seamlessly to dramatic roles, from his breakout performance in 1988′s comedy “Big” to “Saving Private Ryan,” “Apollo 13,” and “Captain Phillips.” He voiced the character Woody in the “Toy Story” animated films and voiced several characters in 2004′s “The Polar Express” animated film.He produced several projects exploring U.S. history including “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific,” and “John Adams.” He’s also known for his philanthropic work and advocacy, raising support for the national World War II Memorial in Washington and serving as campaign chair for Hidden Heroes, increasing awareness around issues faced by caregivers who work with veterans. Following his performance in “Philadelphia” as a lawyer with AIDS, Hanks became an advocate for AIDS awareness and supporter of The Foundation for AIDS Research and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. His other accolades include the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2014. President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.